One tragic consequence of consuming alcoholic drinks for years is a syndrome called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome or more commonly known as “Wet Brain.” “Wet Brain Syndrome” is known by several other names including Korsakoff psychosis, alcoholic encephalopathy, and Wernicke's disease. Wet Brain occurs when there is a severe deficiency of Thiamine, a form of Vitamin B1, in ones body due to malnutrition commonly associated with alcoholics. If caught on its early onset, the effects of Wet Brain can be partially reversed through large doses of Thiamine. In the late stages of Wet Brain, there is no treatment and the effects from it are permanent if not deadly.
Malnutrition occurs in alcoholics leading to the lack of Thiamine in the system through poor eating habits, damaged gastro intestinal system that does not allow for proper absorption of essential nutrients, and liver damage. Thiamine deficiency leads to significant brain cell death and serious structural damage in other areas of the brain such as the brain stem, cerebral cortex, and the pons.
Symptoms of Wet Brain include:
• Ataxia, an irregular gait – wide stance and short step
• Confusion, which often manifests as apathy to external surroundings and low voluntary verbal participation
• Confabulation – telling of events that did not happen, and believing them to be true
• Dementia
• Hallucination – visual, aural or tactile
• Loss of control over eye movements
Sadly, if left untreated, Wet Brain Syndrome can lead to coma or even death. The death rate due to Wet Brain is 20 percent. Prompt treatment will lead to a full mental recovery for about 20%, a recovery from ataxia for about 40% and a recovery from irregular eye movement for about 60%.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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